It’s an attitude which has won them a loyal following since they took on the Scottish & Newcastle Pub 13 years ago and for many the reputation as “the best Killie pub”.

Located near Kilmarnock football club, The Howard Arms is popular with Killie and visiting fans and puts on a bus for away games.

While not a sports bar, the pub offers darts and pool in its dedicated games room and has six screens so give sports fans plenty of choice.

Billy said: “We had some boys from Ireland who were working 13 miles away.

“They’d heard we were the best place to watch sport and we were able to get the Gaelic football for them that they were keen to watch.”

It’s not just football which brings people from far and wide. At lunchtime traditional pub grub such as steak pies, fish and scampi is on the menu and it has proved popular with senior citizens who can get a three course lunch for £4.50.

Billy added: “People come 25-30 miles for lunch. Every Friday for seven years a couple have driven from Muirkirk for lunch!”

The pub is rooted in the community and hosts many charity events.

Billy said: “If a cause is dear to one of our customers’ hearts we try to raise money for it. If there is anything we can get or do for customers, we will. For us it’s about the people, the friendship and the loyalty.”